Effects of Surfactants on Pectinase Treatment of Cotton/Chitosan Blends

Abstract

This study examined the effect of surfactant pretreatment on the pectinase-treated cotton/chitosan blends by weight loss and properties such as water absorbency, dyeability, tensile strength, pilling property, and surface morphology. The weight loss of cotton/chitosan blends was 1.5% by the surfactant pretreatment/pectinase treatment. The water absorbency and dyeability of samples showed a significant improvement by the surfactant pretreatment/pectinase treatment. The tensile strength and pilling property of treated fabrics showed no change. The water absorbency and dyeability of pectinase treated samples improved with the pretreatment of the surfactant without damaging the fibers.